There’s a lot of talk about circumcision. A long-time practice that has religious roots, the careful lobbing off a man’s penis tip, has recently come under much scrutiny. For the last 50 years, people have been fighting female genital mutilation in other countries like Africa, while some activists would argue, it is being ignored in the US and other developed nations when it comes to circumcision. Is it a barbaric practice, or is it something that has a basis in healthy living and healthy sexual function? Let’s look at the circumcision pros and cons to see precisely how circumcision can affect a man’s sex life.

Does circumcision have health benefits?

Circumcision has been the norm in the US for some time. Despite its spiritual origins, it’s become a secular standard procedure of sorts for boys and men because of the alleged health benefits. This argument for circumcision has been so persuasive that approximately 75 percent of men in the US are circumcised.

The health benefits doctors cite include a reduction in the instances of sexually transmitted infections like HIV and HPV, as well as a decrease in urinary tract infections, paraphimosis, balanitis, and penile cancer.

Can circumcision cause complications?

Circumcision, like any procedure, carries the risk of infection, penile necrosis, and bleeding.

Are the benefits of circumcision legit?

The medical community does agree that there is a small but meaningful reduction in the risk of getting STIs and UTIs. The majority of the medical population believes the benefits outweigh the risks in the circumcision equation. That said, circumcision is currently on the decline, both because some parents are deciding to let their sons choose when they are older, and some doctors are refusing to perform the surgery.

Is circumcision more hygienic?

This is a tricky question. It is correct that men who are cut are less likely to experience smegma and the host of infections it can cause when untreated. However, smegma, the stinky, chunky funk that can collect under the foreskin, can also affect men who’ve been circumcised.

Does being circumcised reduce sexual sensation?

Yes - the big question! Some experts argue that circumcision can indeed reduce sexual sensation since it eliminates thousands of nerve endings in the penis. Studies have shown that uncircumcised penises are more sensitive to light stimulation than their cut counterparts. The extra foreskin is also believed to create greater friction during sex and bring additional stimulation to the clitoris during intimacy. But it’s important to remember that feelings are mostly subjective.

Also, since circumcision is the more common aesthetic for a penis to rock, some men who sport turtlenecks on their Johnson experience some embarrassment or reduced self-esteem since they perceive they look "different" or "weird" by keeping their tops up.

Do women prefer circumcised penises?

While circumcision is on the decline, it is still the norm in the US. Some parents circumcise their sons so they will be more likely to "fit in" with the majority of boys. Some believe this norm leads women to prefer a cut schlong over one that still has foreskin. At the end of the day, how a woman feels about the man is how she feels about the penis. So, in short, don’t sweat it.

Penis Care

No matter what a man’s foreskin looks like, penis care is universally important. Using protection when intimate is a big part of keeping a penis healthy. Also, a man should be sure to urinate after sex to flush the urethra and evacuate any bacteria that are trying to take up residence.

Daily hygiene is also critical for penis health. Gently, but thoroughly wash the penis with a mild cleanser and warm water, then rinse and air dry. Apply a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to keep penile skin strong and healthy. These types of crèmes contain essential vitamins and nutrients that boost blood flow, enhance collagen production, and keep bacteria at bay.